Reese Witherspoon's Christmas tree is simple but full of personality – she decorates classically with character, and it's replicable from $8

The actress's Christmas decorations don't sacrifice individuality for minimalism, celebrating the holiday in a traditional yet personal manner

Reese Witherspoon
(Image credit: Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images)

Good design is all about balance; and the same is true of Christmas decor. Reese Witherspoon strikes the perfect equilibrium in her living room.

The actress shared in Instagram post of the space where we can see her Christmas tree idea in the background, and it's equal parts classic and full of personality. Witherspoon's towering tree sits in the corner of her living room, right next to the window. It features a classic gold star and is covered with a mix of ball ornaments and star, leaf, and animal ornaments. A red tree skirt covers the base. One can imagine that at night, when the lights are lit it's quite a sight, but it's equally beautiful when unlit during the day.

Her carefully chosen Christmas ornaments are part of the balance of Witherspoon's tree. About half are generic round balls that fit into the color scheme of Witherspoon's living room. The other half of the ornaments are more personal, in dozens of different shapes that Witherspoon clearly collected with her family over the years. This delicate balance can be easily recreated in any home.

Witherspoon's Christmas decor is made all the better by the way it fits well into the design of the space. First, she chose blue and red ornaments to tie the tree together with the soft furnishings throughout the room, such as the blue rug and the plush armchair.

To capture a similar effect, design expert Lena Gierasinska recommends: 'Creating a cozy atmosphere can make any room feel like a winter wonderland. Soft furnishings, such as plush throws and cushions, can help to create warmth and comfort, encouraging everyone to relax and settle in. By focusing on cozy textures and layers, such as the placement of rugs and cushions, you can create an environment that captures the true spirit of Christmas.' Adding a rug beside the tree, as Witherspoon has done, is a wonderful place to start.

The beauty of Witherspoon's red Christmas tree skirt is another element that contributes spirit and personality without bringing clutter into the room. It's evidence that textiles are perfect Christmas decor.

Gierasinska states: 'Incorporating red and green prints, patterns and accents is an easy way to evoke the spirit of Christmas without overwhelming a space. Classic patterns like tartan work beautifully from autumn through winter, blending seamlessly with both Christmas decor and everyday traditional country cottage style. These patterns have a quaint, inviting charm, allowing your space to feel warm and festive throughout the colder months.'


Achieving balance in your Christmas tree is easy when you focus on choosing the best ornaments, and tying the design of the tree in with the rest of the space. Take it from Reese Witherspoon.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.